The New Model 15EXP Quasi
Anechoic Response
The high resolution graphs above
indicate that the quasi anechoic (or lab) frequency response
of the 15EXP is flat plus and minus 5 dB from 23 to 160Hz depending
on the crossover setting. This is amazingly flat response for
a subwoofer. The graphs show the 15EXP has remarkable low frequency
extension for its size.
For two channel stereo systems the subwoofer should be set
to a lower setting depending on the frequency response of the
satellites. The phase switch should be set to the position that
provides the most loudness when the subwoofer and the satellites
are played together. This is an indication that the subwoofer
and the satellites are in phase. The volume of the subwoofer
should be adjusted to match the subwoofer's output to the output
of the satellites.
The first figure indicates that at the lowest crossover
setting the response of the 15EXP is flat from 28Hz. to 80Hz,
+/- 3.5 dB. Above 80Hz. the frequency response of
the 15EXP fall off by 24 dB for the next octave. This frequency
response profile makes the 15EXP a cinch to integrate with most
high quality two-way loudspeakers. Looked at another way, the
15EXP's response is +/- 5 dB from 23Hz to 110Hz. This indicates
that with room reinforcement the 15EXP can provide usable output
down to about 16Hz.
For home theater systems, the crossover and volume level are
usually set differently than for systems used solely for music.
A higher crossover setting and a higher volume level will generally
provide the most desirable results. Note that unlike the typical
subwoofer the 15EXP is designed to give flatter frequency response
over a much wider frequency range. With this frequency response
profile, proper phase alignment between the 15EXP and satellite
speakers will provide seamless transition between the bass of
the 15EXP and the satellites.
The second figure indicates
that at the
highest crossover setting, except for
a 2 dB rise in output centered around 60Hz, the 15EXP's frequency response is flat
from 30Hz. to 150Hz. +/-2.5 dB, which surpasses the THX standards
for subwoofers.
The 2 dB
rise in frequency response that is centered around 60Hz gives the subwoofer better pitch definition
and punch. Looked at another way, when the crossover is set to
the highest setting, the response of the 15EXP is +/-6 dB from
23Hz to 170Hz. Above 150Hz. the response fall off at 24 dB per
octave, while below 30Hz. the subwoofer response is down 10 dB
at 16Hz. This again suggests that room reinforcement should provide
usable frequency response down to about 16 cycles. |